HOA rules serve as the foundation for maintaining the quality and character of residential communities. However, it’s not unheard of for HOAs to create and attempt to enforce ridiculous rules, usually to the dismay of property owners. Here are four crazy HOA rules that have actually been enforced.
All Houses Must Have Matching Shingles
Florida resident Joe Woodard lost his wife and infant son after a plane crashed into their home in Sanford, killing both. After the tragic accident, he decided to construct a new home on the same lot. However, he was soon forced to halt construction after his HOA informed him that his shingles didn’t match his neighbors. While Woodard had hoped to get some respite following the tragedy he’d suffered, he capitulated to the wishes of his HOA to avoid the risk of a lawsuit.
You Shall Not Plant Too Many Roses
In Rancho Santa Fe, California, Jeffery DeMarco was targeted by his HOA for exceeding the limit of rose bushes on his four-acre property. Although he tried to resist the rule, the HOA fought back with monthly levies and threats of foreclosure. The case eventually went to court, where the judge ruled against DeMarco for violating the community’s architectural design rules. Consequently, DeMarco was forced to cover the HOA’s $70,000 legal fees and ultimately lost his home to the bank.
You Must Carry Your Pet at All Times
Pamela McMahan, a senior citizen residing in Longbeach, California, kept getting slapped with $25 fines every time she failed to carry her cocker spaniel when walking through the lobby of her condo. Her HOA cited that she had violated the rule that pets’ feet should never touch the floor of common areas. According to the HOA’s property manager, the rule was supposedly implemented to minimize the risk of dogs jumping on someone or suffering an accident on the lobby floor. McMahan eventually opted to move out after paying hundreds of dollars in fines.
No “For Sale” Signs Allowed
Perhaps the most unreasonable rule on our list, a woman residing in Lebanon, Tennessee, got into trouble with her HOA for putting up a “For Sale” sign in front of her property. The housing association deemed Denise Hicks to be in breach of contract for violating a rule that prohibits signs, banners, and billboards. In the end, Hicks was forced to display her signs in her home windows, where most people would not be able to see them.
Hire Professional Enforcers for Your HOA
Generally, HOAs aren’t always reasonable about the rules and guidelines they create and enforce in their communities. The above examples are just a few instances of outrageous HOA rules that were actually enforced, but such cases aren’t completely uncommon. To ensure fairness in the enforcement of rules, HOAs can benefit from hiring professional property management companies. At Enforcer Pros, we offer covenant enforcement and tenant screening services in Florida and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about our services.